Well, I finally got word that the ICRC is ready for me to make a field visit to West Africa. I will start out in Geneva, Switzerland for some operational briefings, and from there fly to Sierra Leone and Liberia, where I will visit the delegation offices and also some refugee camps.
I've asked the ICRC to confirm the specific travel dates, and am waiting for them to confirm before making my travel arrangements to and from Geneva.
Yesterday I went and got 5 vaccinations including one for yellow fever, typhoid fever and a booster shot for polio.
I also got some presecription medications. The dr gave me a selection between three malaria medications. One has minimal to no side effects. The second one was recently removed from the Department of Defense's approved medications since it causes hallucinations, and the last one can potentially cause raging yeast infections. I thought this was a trick question, and obviously chose the one with the least side effects.
I'm reading up on the countries, making lists of what i need to bring for my hygiene, work, and general sanity, things Lane can cook/eat while I'm gone, etc. I'm excited and nervous and anxious. Before I know it, I'll be in the airport and (hopefully) ready to go!
